Rev. Dave Ellingson, the Paddle Pilgrim, has taught courses in spirituality, environmental ethics, human development, and youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Wash. He is a Lutheran pastor, author, Master Gardner, former distance runner and triathlete, and has a Doctorate in Holistic Health.
Dave is married, father of five grown children, and enjoys his five grandchildren. He readily admits that from the earliest age, his middle name has been activity!! He lives in Edmonds, WA.
Dave Ellingson is the author of nine books:
- Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Fjords of Norway;
- Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Erie Canal and Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty;
- Paddle Pilgrim: An Adventure of Spirit and Learning Kayaking the Mississippi River;
- Say What? A Fresh Look at Old Sayings;
- Biblical Wisdom for a Digital Age;
- My Body, My Life: How you can combine prayer, praise, and the spiritual with work, play, and the physical for a healthier and more joyful Christian life; and
- Grizz and His Friends, about a big, old bear with lots of friends.
- Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Mississippi River Headwaters in a Time of Climate Change
- Paddle Pilgrim: Mekong River Adventure through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
Dave is the retreat leader for Play Ball and Connect: A Desert Sojourn Retreat in March, 2025.